Psychology

LEVEL: A Level – Linear

EXAM BOARD: AQA

WHY CHOOSE PSYCHOLOGY? Psychology allows you to examine and uncover why individuals behave in the ways that they do. A variety of human behaviours are looked at in depth include memory and phobias. As a subject it is recognised as relating to Biological science at one extreme and Sociology at the other. A key component of Psychology is to critically think about how human behaviour works. As well as evaluate explanations that have been formed and studies that have been designed to test these behaviours. Throughout your studies you will develop an ability to analyse data and scientific enquiries. Psychology is an academic discipline that works in combination with Sociology as well as subjects from the sciences and humanities.

AIMS OF THE COURSE

To understand explanations for the development of behaviours

To understand how to design, conduct and analyse research on human participants

To examine the effectiveness of different approach and theories

WHAT WILL I STUDY?

You will study topics from a range of approaches to explain the behaviour of individuals. It will also involve examining theories and research in relation to social influence, memory and attachment. As part of the course students will understand how research is organised and implemented, as well as the ability to draw conclusions from data. At A Level you will develop a broader and deeper knowledge and will be required to understand approaches in more depth, including the biopsychological aspects. In addition to those aspects already studied at AS you will also assess psychological understandings in relation to Relationships, Gender or Cognition; Schizophrenia, Eating Behaviour or Stress; Aggression, Forensic Psychology or Addiction.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

For AS Level: 2 exams, 50% each, 90 minutes each For A Level: 3 exams, 33.3% each, 120 minutes each

WHERE CAN IT LEAD? As students need good mathematical, written and scientific skills, Psychology can take you wherever you want to go. Students who have previously studied Psychology have gone to study many subjects at University including: Psychology, Psychology and Counselling, Law, Sociology, Criminology, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Forensic Science, Marketing, Nursing and Primary Education. As such this could lead to careers in the social and caring professions, teaching, clinical psychology, as well as other graduate programmes such as accountancy.

“Psychology is not only my most interesting subject but also the most useful, it teaches you critical thinking and analytical skills, which you will be surprised how useful are in everyday life.”